What is included in the British Drum Co. Raven 4pc Shell Pack?

The shell pack typically includes the bass drum, floor tom, and rack toms. It is important to note that hardware, cymbals, and a snare drum are generally not included in this specific package.

What wood is used for the Raven shells?

The shells are constructed from birch ply. This material is favoured for its bright, punchy sound and excellent projection in live environments.

What is cold-press moulding?

Cold-press moulding is a construction technique where the wood plies are bonded together without heat. This method is used by British Drum Co. to preserve the natural resonant qualities of the timber.

What finish does the Raven kit come in?

The kit features a Black Ash Satin finish. This provides a subtle, textured appearance that is both modern and durable for touring.

Does the Raven kit include a snare drum?

No, this is a 4-piece shell pack which usually focuses on the bass drum and toms. A matching Raven snare would typically be purchased separately.

What type of bearing edges does the Raven have?

The kit features sharp bearing edges. These are designed to provide a defined attack and a quicker response when the drum is struck.

How does the isolation mounting system work?

The isolation mounting system attaches to the drum in a way that minimises contact with the shell. This allows the wood to resonate more freely, resulting in a purer tone and longer sustain.

Is hardware included with this shell pack?

No, the manufacturer specifies that hardware is not included. Drummers will need to provide their own cymbal stands, hi-hat stands, bass drum pedals, and snare stands.

Where are British Drum Co. kits manufactured?

British Drum Co. kits are handcrafted in the United Kingdom. They pride themselves on using traditional British woodworking techniques.

What is the typical bass drum size for this kit?

The Raven 4pc Shell Pack features a 22-inch bass drum. This size is standard for providing a powerful, versatile foundation suitable for most genres.

What is the significance of the 14" floor tom?

The 14" floor tom is included to expand the kit's low-end range. It offers a deeper, fuller sound that complements the rack toms for more complex fills.

How does the Raven compare to the Ludwig Neusonic?

Both are designed as 'workhorse' kits for professional drummers. The Raven focuses on a birch ply construction with British cold-press moulding, whereas the Neusonic often uses maple/cherry hybrids and American manufacturing.

Gear article

British Drum Co. Raven 22" 4pc Shell Pack

The British Drum Co. Raven is a handcrafted acoustic drum kit designed to offer professional-grade British manufacturing at a more accessible price point. Utilising cold-press moulding and birch ply construction, it delivers a powerful, controlled tone suitable for both live performance and studio recording.

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Overview

The British Drum Co. Raven 22" 4pc Shell Pack represents a strategic offering from the UK-based manufacturer, aiming to provide their signature handcrafted quality to a broader range of drummers. Unlike mass-produced alternatives, the Raven series employs the same high-standard cold-press moulding techniques found in the company's flagship ranges. The kit is presented in a sophisticated Black Ash Satin finish, complemented by a distinctive 'Raven' vent badge, giving it a modern and understated aesthetic.

Construction and Key Features

The shells are constructed from high-quality birch ply, a wood chosen for its consistency and tonal properties. A defining feature of the Raven's construction is the use of sharp bearing edges, which are designed to enhance attack and definition.

To ensure maximum resonance, each drum is equipped with an isolation mounting system. This hardware allows the shells to vibrate freely without being stifled by rigid connections, while still maintaining stable positioning during aggressive play. The 4-piece configuration typically includes a 22" bass drum and a 14" floor tom, providing a robust low-end foundation.

Sound and Performance

Tonal performance is characterised by a controlled yet powerful output. The birch ply shells provide a clear projection that cuts through high-volume stage environments, while the cold-press moulding ensures a consistent response across the frequency spectrum. The inclusion of a 14" floor tom allows for deeper, fuller low-end options, making the kit versatile enough for various genres that require a 'big' sound without sacrificing clarity.

Target Audience

The Raven is specifically positioned for drummers who require reliable, professional-standard performance but are working within a specific budget. It is well-suited for session musicians, touring drummers, and advanced students who want the prestige of a British-made kit. The combination of its 'Black Ash' aesthetics and sharp attack makes it particularly appealing to players in rock, pop, and contemporary settings.

Market Comparison

When compared to alternatives in the market, the Raven competes with other high-performance birch and hybrid kits. Its closest rivals include the DW Performance Series and Ludwig Neusonic ranges, which similarly offer professional features at mid-tier price points. While models like the Tama Superstar Classic or Yamaha Rydeen cater to entry and intermediate levels, the British Drum Co. Raven distinguishes itself through its specific cold-press manufacturing process and handcrafted British pedigree.

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Frequently asked questions

What is included in the British Drum Co. Raven 4pc Shell Pack?: The shell pack typically includes the bass drum, floor tom, and rack toms. It is important to note that hardware, cymbals, and a snare drum are generally not included in this specific package.
What wood is used for the Raven shells?: The shells are constructed from birch ply. This material is favoured for its bright, punchy sound and excellent projection in live environments.
What is cold-press moulding?: Cold-press moulding is a construction technique where the wood plies are bonded together without heat. This method is used by British Drum Co. to preserve the natural resonant qualities of the timber.
What finish does the Raven kit come in?: The kit features a Black Ash Satin finish. This provides a subtle, textured appearance that is both modern and durable for touring.
Does the Raven kit include a snare drum?: No, this is a 4-piece shell pack which usually focuses on the bass drum and toms. A matching Raven snare would typically be purchased separately.
What type of bearing edges does the Raven have?: The kit features sharp bearing edges. These are designed to provide a defined attack and a quicker response when the drum is struck.
How does the isolation mounting system work?: The isolation mounting system attaches to the drum in a way that minimises contact with the shell. This allows the wood to resonate more freely, resulting in a purer tone and longer sustain.
Is hardware included with this shell pack?: No, the manufacturer specifies that hardware is not included. Drummers will need to provide their own cymbal stands, hi-hat stands, bass drum pedals, and snare stands.
Where are British Drum Co. kits manufactured?: British Drum Co. kits are handcrafted in the United Kingdom. They pride themselves on using traditional British woodworking techniques.
What is the typical bass drum size for this kit?: The Raven 4pc Shell Pack features a 22-inch bass drum. This size is standard for providing a powerful, versatile foundation suitable for most genres.
What is the significance of the 14" floor tom?: The 14" floor tom is included to expand the kit's low-end range. It offers a deeper, fuller sound that complements the rack toms for more complex fills.
How does the Raven compare to the Ludwig Neusonic?: Both are designed as 'workhorse' kits for professional drummers. The Raven focuses on a birch ply construction with British cold-press moulding, whereas the Neusonic often uses maple/cherry hybrids and American manufacturing.